Mazda's intentions with the RX7 were clear from the very first generation. Sold from 1979-'85, the original RX7 established the car's DNA as a small, light and fun-to-drive sports coupe. Its 100 horsepower, 1146cc (1.1-liter) Wankel rotary engine wasn't the most impressive power plant on the market. But a rigid chassis, light curb weight and optimum 50/50 weight distribution gave the RX-7 great handling characteristics. A five-speed manual transmission was standard.

A well-equipped GSL trim was added in 1981, but the first major changes didn't come until the introduction of the GSL-SE trim in 1984. That version replaced the 100 horsepower engine with a 1.3-liter rotary equipped with fuel injection, producing 135 horsepower and dropping the coupe's 0-60 time into the high 7s.

Released in 1986, the second-generation Mazda RX-7 was a complete overhaul of the previous model. The 1.3-liter power plant was retained but its output was up to 146 horsepower. The car had a longer wheelbase and a wider track helping to increase horsepower. And for the first time, it was equipped with an independent rear suspension. Although the car was roughly 150 pounds heavier than the outgoing GSL and had a reputation for being not quite as sharp in terms of handling, it was just as quick with the same horsepower. Mazda also offered an optional 2+2 seat layout, but the rear seats were more useful for carrying small cargo than people.

Later that year, Mazda introduced the first RX-7 Turbo, which featured a turbocharged 1.3-liter rotary that made 182 horsepower. With 0-60-mph time in the low 6-second range, the RX-7 Turbo finally gave the model line-up superior engine performance and horsepower to go with the car's impressive handling ability.

Capitalizing on the car's popularity, Mazda also released a convertible two-seater in 1988. It was available exclusively with the non-turbo 146 horsepower engine and a five-speed manual transmission. A year later, Mazda tweaked the rotary engine and bumped the naturally aspirated models up to 160 horsepower and the Turbo to 200 horsepower. The convertible was also given the option of a four-speed automatic. After that, the RX7 remained relatively unchanged until the launch of the third generation in 1993.

Mazda's singular goal for the third and final-generation RX-7 was to create a pure sports car with maximum horsepower. Launched in 1993, this Mazda RX-7 was still a rear-wheel-drive two-door coupe. Available in a single trim, it was powered by a 1.3-liter twin-turbocharged rotary engine that put out 255 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque.